Preface

As of 27 September 2022, there have been more than 612 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, including more than 6.5 million deaths reported to WHO. Although complete sets of diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines are already in place, public health systems in many parts of the world are currently still under strain due to the effect of the pandemic. Moreover, many countries and territories are already advising the reopening of their economies, and the relaxation of health protocols including mask-wearing and social distancing. Scientists already predict that COVID-19 will move into an endemic phase, although not in the near future. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is not likely to be eradicated during our lifetime. As has been seen with influenza viruses, such as H1N1, the re-emergence of this virus into a future epidemic is possible. Therefore, research to design novel therapies for COVID-19 remains necessary, as the mutational trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 is difficult to predict. New variants may well emerge in the future, and any drug development program should always be aligned accordingly.

This book seeks to make an intellectual contribution to this ongoing pandemic. It is divided into three sections. First, the introductory section elaborates on the importance of drug development for COVID-19. Second, specific unique cases in clinical settings are reported. The final section, on case treatment and management, takes a more comprehensive health sciences approach. Some of the contributions cover extensive ongoing research and development that will encourage further debate on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I would like to express my gratitude to Rizky Nurdiansyah, MSi, Head of Research and Community Service Development at the Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, for interesting discussions and excellent collaboration in the field of COVID-19 drug design. Thanks also go to the students of the School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, for their heartfelt motivation.

> **Arli Aditya Parikesit** Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta, Indonesia

**1**

Section 1

Introduction

Section 1 Introduction
